There will be a special election held in January for president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. That’s because Doug Peterson, who’s served as leader of the group since 2002, is retiring at the end of this year. Vice President Gary Wertish, a Renville County farmer, says he intends to run for the office. If he’s elected, one of his goals is to get more young people involved in the organization.

He says there are several challenges facing farmers and ranchers and one of the biggest ones is the downturn in the agricultural economy.

Wertish says as Congress writes the next farm bill they will need to strengthen the farm safety net.

Wertish has served as vice president for Minnesota Farmers Union for the past seven years.